Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi Thursday said that Pakistan is ready to review its decision against India if New Delhi agreed to reconsider its actions on Kashmir. “Are they ready to review their decisions? If they do, we can also review our decisions. Review will be on both sides. That is what Simla (agreement) says,” Qureshi was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.

Meanwhile, Governor Satya Pal Malik took stock of the law and order situation in the Valley ahead of Eid-ul-Azha celebrations in the coming week and instructed officials to make arrangements for the return of outside students who wish to go home for Eid. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation today on the government’s decision to revoke the provisions of Article 370 which gave special autonomous status to Jammu-Kashmir and called it a ‘historic decision’.

Earlier today, India expressed regret over Pakistan downgrading diplomatic relations and urged Islamabad to review its decision so that “normal channels for diplomatic communications are preserved.” After the Centre announced to end the special status of Jammu and Kashmir bifurcate the state into two Union Territories, Pakistan on Wednesday asked New Delhi to withdraw its High Commissioner from Islamabad and said it would not be sending its High Commissioner-designate to India.

J&K and Ladakh have the potential to become the biggest tourist hub of the world: PM Modi

PM Modi: Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh have the potential to be the biggest tourist hub of the world. There was a time when Kashmir was the favorite destination of Bollywood film makers, I am confident that in future even international films will be shot there. pic.twitter.com/PZGJX1sf6u

Over a dozen Kashmiri militants lodged in different jails in Jammu and Kathua districts were on Thursday shifted to Haryana for security reasons. Official sources said that 12 of them were lodged in high security Kot Bhalwal jail, two in Kathua and one each in district jails at Ambphalla, Jammu and in Hiranagar. They have been shifted to Haryana’s district jail at Karnal. They, however, described their shifting as routine, saying that earlier Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front chief Yaseen Malik and Hurriyat leader Mussarat Alam were sent from Kot Bhalwal to Delhi’s Tihar jail following request from NIA who wanted them for investigation in cases registered against them.

"Children in Jammu and Kashmir were not provided with the benefits which rest of the country used to get. Even for cleanliness workers, they were deprived of their rights. Minimum Wages Act was not effective in Jammu and Kashmir, it was only on paper. Brothers and sisters belonging to SC-ST category would not get reservation in Jammu Kashmir, unlike rest of the country. Now the future of the people of Jammu and Kashmir will be secure," PM Modi addresses nation on scrapping of Article 370. Follow latest updates

"Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh is the start of a new era. I want to congratulate every Indian for this historic decision as no one could earlier tell how Article 370 benefiting. Nearly 42,000 people were killed and now with the decision to scrap Article 370, it will change the present as well as the future of the people belonging to Jammu and Kashmir," PM Modi said in his address. Follow PM Modi's address LIVE UPDATES

All educational institutions to re-open from August 9: Samba district administration

For any assistance, the employees can contact office of Deputy Commissioner Jammu and Regional Transport Office Jammu at 2571616, 2571912 and 2520542. All educational institutions including government and private schools shall re-open with effect from 9th of August 2019, to function as usual, as per the directive by Samba district administration.

Govt employees asked to report back to their duties with immediate effect: J&K Chief Secretary

As per the directions issued by the Chief Secretary Jammu and Kashmir, all the government employees, who are working at divisional level, district level and those serving in civil secretariat Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar, to report back to their duties with immediate effect. It is further intimated that necessary arrangements regarding smooth and secure working environment for the employees have been made by the administration.

Pakistan on Thursday said that Kashmir has been on the agenda of the UN Security Council as a “disputed territory” as it rejected India’s contention that Jammu and Kashmir is its internal matter. “Pakistan rejects the unilateral action by India to change the status of Jammu and Kashmir,” Foreign Office Spokesperson Muhammad Faisal said while addressing the weekly media briefing here. Faisal said Prime Minister Imran Khan has directed to utilise all options after revocation of Article 370 by India. Read the full version here

Sitaram Yechury pens a letter to J&K Guv, expresses hope to meet CPI(M) members in J&K

In a letter directed at J&K Governor, CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury wrote, "CPI(M) has an active unit in Jammu & Kashmir and it had an MLA Mohammad Yusuf Tarigami in the dissolved J&K Assembly. As the General Secretary, I wish to visit him and other members of the party. I propose to reach Srinagar on 9th morning to meet them."

CPI (M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury, in a letter to J&K Governor Satya Pal Malik: I hope the administration will not create any hurdles in discharging my responsibilities as a leader of my party. https://t.co/PMY3kMc0Kb

Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel on #Article370revoked: The way it was implemented, had they taken everyone into confidence, it would have been different. Now the people for whom it was implemented aren't aware of it. Asking question is crime now so I don't want to say anything pic.twitter.com/hDEN4ABHI5

Defence Ministry: Army Chief General Bipin Rawat today briefed Defence Min Rajnath Singh on developments in Jammu&Kashmir and on Indo-Pak border. Overall the situation is under control & the Armed forces are in a state of high alert & closely monitoring the situation. (File pic) pic.twitter.com/H85k4itXLJ

US will continue to support 'direct' Indo-Pak talks on Kashmir and other issues: Official

The US will continue to support "direct dialogue" between India and Pakistan on Kashmir and other issues of concern, a State Department official has said while urging for calm and restraint along the LoC. The US is also "closely following" India's legislation regarding the new territorial status and governance of Jammu and Kashmir and its broader implications, the official said on Wednesday. (PTI)

Pakistan airspace remains open for Indian flights: Civil Aviation Authority

Clearing its stand regarding airspace, Pakistan clarified that it has neither closed its airspace for India nor re-routed any route for the Indian flights. "There has been no change to the notice to airmen (NOTAM) and all flights are being operated as per schedule issued earlier," Civil Aviation Authority Pakistan spokesperson Mujtaba Baig told PTI. "Pakistan has neither closed its airspace for India nor re-routed or closed down any route for the Indian flights," he said. Responding to a question about re-routing of a few routes as reported by the media, he said: "Not a single route has been re-routed after the latest tension between the two countries."

Ready to review decision against India, if New Delhi reconsiders actions on Kashmir: Pakistan foreign minister

Ready to review decision against India if New Delhi agrees to reconsider its actions on Kashmir, says Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi. His remarks came a day after Pakistan expelled the Indian High Commissioner as part of its decision to downgrade the diplomatic ties with India over what it called New Delhi's "unilateral and illegal" move to revoke the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan also announced that it will review all "bilateral arrangements" with India. "Are they ready to review their decisions? If they do, we can also review our decisions. Review will be on both sides. That is what Simla (agreement) says," Qureshi said. (PTI)

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath on Thursday said only time will tell whether the Modi government's move of scrapping of Article 370 will establish peace and bring down terror activities in Jammu and Kashmir. "Only time will tell how many employment opportunities are generated and whether acts of terrorism come down in Jammu and Kashmir after the removal of Article 370...that is the biggest question before us," he said. "Talking about what will happen in a day or two after the removal of Article 370 is actually meaningless, Nath said, adding, "It remains to be seen whether peace prevails in Jammu and Kashmir and terror activities come down."

Jammu and Kashmir Governor on Thursday issued directions to officials to facilitate return of outside students to their states who wish to go to their homes for Eid. Governor has also sanctioned Rs 1 lakh each to designated liaison officers for organising Eid festivities for J&K students who are studying in other states and are unable to come to their homes on the occasion, Raj Bhawan spokesman said. (PTI)

The UAE has advised its citizens to postpone travel to Jammu and Kashmir and asked those who are already there to follow the instructions of the local authorities, according to a media report. The Indian government imposed restrictions in the Valley before scrapping Article 370 and bifurcate the state into two union territories-- Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.

Pakistan suspends Samjhauta Express service; ban on screening Indian movies in the country

After reports of Pakistan suspending train services, news reports from the neighbouring country now suggest that no Indian films will be allowed to screen in cinemas.Geo English quoted Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan, Special Assistant to Pakistan Prime Minister on I&B, saying: “No Indian movie to be screened in Pakistani cinemas.”

Pakistan Railways Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed: In a decision by the Railways Ministry, Samjhauta Express services have been permanently stopped. It used to ply twice a week. The people who had already purchased their tickets can get their money reimbursed from Lahore DS office. pic.twitter.com/ZVNOTEsQRZ

Indian crew members and guard escorted the Samjhauta Express from Wagah border to Attari after Pakistan authorities stopped the train on their side, sources said. They said that Pakistan had stopped the train at Wagah border claiming security concerns, and passengers were stranded briefly. "When we received the information from the Pakistani authorities at around 2:14 pm, we assured them that there are no security concerns and the train should come here. However, we also told them that if necessary an Indian crew and guard will escort the train to Attari," a senior railway official told news agency PTI.

Governor Satya Pal Malik takes stock of law and order situation in J&K

Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik on Thursday took stock of law and order situation and provision of basic services to people. In a meeting held in Srinagar, Malik reviewed arrangements for enabling people to perform Friday prayers and for celebration of Eid-ul-Azha in the coming week, a spokesman told news agency PTI. The Governor also said that mandis will be set up at different locations in the Valley where people can buy animals on the occasion of Eid. (PTI)

US lawmakers urge Pakistan to refrain from any retaliatory aggression against India

Two powerful Democratic lawmakers have urged Pakistan to refrain from any “retaliatory aggression” against India and take “demonstrable action” against terrorist groups within its territory. Senator Robert Menendez and Congressman Eliot Engel in a joint statement on Wednesday also expressed concern over the restrictions in Jammu and Kashmir. “Pakistan must refrain from any retaliatory aggression, including support for infiltrations across the Line of Control, and take demonstrable action against the terrorist infrastructure on Pakistan’s soil,” they said in the statement. Click here to read more.

Malala Yousafzai calls for peace in J-K, says worried about Kashmiri women and children

Amid the rising tensions between India and Pakistan over scrapping of special status to Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistani activist and Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai called for a peaceful resolution to the seven-decade-old conflict. Taking to Twitter, she said, “The people of Kashmir have lived in conflict since I was a child since my mother and father were children since my grandparents were young. For seven decades, the children of Kashmir have grown up amidst violence…Whatever disagreements we may have, we must always defend human rights, prioritise the safety of children and women and focus on peacefully resolving the seven-decade old conflict.” Click here to read more.

The people of Kashmir have lived in conflict since I was a child, since my mother and father were children, since my grandparents were young. pic.twitter.com/Qdq0j2hyN9

"We are most suspicious of our neighbour. The problem is you can change your friends but you cannot choose neighbours. And the kind of next-door neighbour we have, God forbid nobody gets such a neighbour," Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said.

'India, Pakistan must ensure progress of Kartarpur Corridor is not affected': Amarinder Singh

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh said both India and Pakistan must take adequate measures to ensure the progress of Kartarpur Corridor is not affected. "Kashmir is our internal matter and Pakistan’s decision to downgrade diplomatic ties is a knee-jerk reaction. Both countries must take adequate steps to ensure that the progress of Kartarpur Corridor isn't jeopardized in light of Pakistan government's decision to downgrade diplomatic relations with India," he tweeted.

Kashmir is our internal matter & Pakistan’s decision to downgrade diplomatic ties is a knee-jerk reaction. Both countries must take adequate steps to ensure progress of #KartarpurCorridor isn't jeopardized in light of @pid_gov decision to downgrade diplomatic relations with India

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced from the Red Fort that we'll take Kashmiris forward not with bullets but by embracing them, but today, the situation in Kashmir is similar to that of a concentration camp. There is no mobile connectivity and Amarnath Yatra pilgrims are forced to return," Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury told ANI.

#WATCH Adhir Ranjan Chowdhary, Congress leader in Lok Sabha: PM had announced from Red Fort that we'll take Kashmiris forward not with bullets but by embracing them, but today, the situation in Kashmir is similar to that of a concentration camp. pic.twitter.com/jzGnZ6sSWy

Karan Singh isn't the only Congress leader to have welcomed the move. Congress leader and Minister of state for Youth Affairs and Sports Department Ashok Chandna wrote on Twitter on Tuesday morning that in his personal opinion, the scrapping of Article 370 is the first decision of the government which he welcomes. However, Chandna, who is also the president of the state Youth Congress, said that the execution of changing Article 370 should not be done in a dictatorial way and instead be done in an environment of peace and trust so that no citizen faces any inconvenience in the future. Congress MLA from Sardarshahar in Churu district, Bhanwarlal Sharma termed the move by the NDA government as one which is in the interest of the country. Click here to read more.

'Do not agree with blanket condemnation of Centre's decision on Kashmir': Karan Singh

Congress veteran Karan Singh, meanwhile, noted several "positive points" in the Centre's decision on Kashmir. "Do not agree with blanket condemnation of government's J&K moves, there are several positive points," he was quoted as saying by PTI. He also welcomed the Union Territory status for Ladakh and abrogation of Article 35A, saying gender-discrimination needed to be addressed.

"The Constitution of India was, is and will always be a sovereign matter. Seeking to interfere in that jurisdiction by invoking an alarmist vision of the region will never succeed. The Government of India regrets the steps announced by Pakistan yesterday and would urge that country to review them so that normal channels for diplomatic communications are preserved," the MEA statement said.

“Its impact would also result in the removal of gender and socio-economic discrimination. It is also expected to result in an upswing of economic activity and improvement in the livelihood prospects of all people of Jammu and Kashmir. It is not surprising that such developmental initiatives that could address any disaffection in Jammu and Kashmir should be negatively perceived in Pakistan, which has utilized such sentiments to justify its cross-border terrorism. The recent developments pertaining to Art 370 are entirely the internal affair of India," the MEA statement added.

Responding to Pakistan's decision to downgrade diplomatic relations with India, the Ministry of External Affairs today said, "The intention behind these measures is obviously to present an alarming picture to the world of our bilateral ties. The reasons cited by Pakistan are not supported by facts on the ground. Recent decisions by the Government and Parliament of India are driven by a commitment to extend to Jammu and Kashmir opportunities for development that were earlier denied by a temporary provision in the Constitution."

Azad's remark on NSA's visit will be used by Pakistan, he should apologise: BJP

Terming Azad's comment against NSA Doval as “unfortunate”, BJP national spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain said that such remarks were expected from the “people of Pakistan” and not from India’s “biggest political party”. “Ghulam Nabi Azad’s comments are unfortunate. I condemn it strongly….when the NSA visits the state and meets and eats with the people of the area, the Congress says that we have paid them money?” he was quoted as saying by PTI.

Congress MP Ghulam Nabi Azad today took a swipe at National Security Advisor Ajit Doval after he was seen interacting with the residents of south Kashmir, saying “you can bring anyone on your side by paying money”. Doval was in Shopian district to discuss with the locals the government’s decision to abrogate provisions of Article 370 and bifurcate Jammu and Kashmir into two Union territories. “Paise dekar aap kisiko bhi saath le sakte ho (you can bring anyone on your side by paying money),” Azad told reporters. Click here to read more.

“Has ‘muscular nationalism’ resolved any conflict anywhere in the world?”

Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram, meanwhile, took potshots at the Narendra Modi-led government over its slew of decisions on Jammu and Kashmir and wondered if “muscular nationalism” held any record of resolving conflict across the world. Taking to Twitter, the former Union minister said, “Has ‘muscular nationalism’ resolved any conflict anywhere in the world?” Click here to read more.

Has 'muscular nationalism' resolved any conflict anywhere in the world?

The J&K flag flies with the Tricolour at the Secretariat in Srinagar Tuesday. #Express photo/Shuaib Masoodi)

Pakistan on Wednesday announced it was downgrading diplomatic relations with India, and asked Delhi to withdraw its High Commissioner from Islamabad. Pakistan also said it would not be sending its High Commissioner-designate to India. Delhi chose not to respond Wednesday with sources indicating that it did not want to fall for what it considers a bait, and a desperate bid by Islamabad to internationalise the issue. India considers its move against Article 370 as an internal matter, and this has been conveyed to the global community.

Islamabad also announced suspension of bilateral trade with India, review of bilateral arrangements, approaching the United Nations, while declaring that it would observe August 14, its independence day, as a Black Day. Sources told The Indian Express that Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood called Indian High Commissioner Ajay Bisaria and conveyed the decision of the Pakistan government.